Round-up: Middlesex kept at bay by Warne

An unbroken eighth-wicket partnership of 113 between Nic Pothas and Shane Warne helped championship challengers Hampshire secure a draw against Middlesex at Lord's.

Ed Smith's unbeaten 147 and 92 from Ed Joyce helped Middlesex set a target of 330 as they declared on 309 for 4.

Hampshire looked to be struggling to save the game at one point as they slipped to 87 for 4 but Pothas (74 not out) and Warne (61 not out) dug them out of trouble. There was not enough time for Hampshire to push for victory and they finished on 283 for 7.

After the game, it was announced that Middlesex had been deducted 1.5 points for a slow over rate, which will do nothing to ease their relegation fears.

The draw keeps Hampshire in third place in Division One, behind Sussex and leaders Lancashire.

Champions Nottinghamshire slipped to another defeat as they went down to Warwickshire by 59 runs at Edgbaston.

Jason Gallian, Darren Bicknell, Stephen Fleming and Paul Franks all hit half-centuries but the visitors' resistance ended as they were bowled out for 344.

James Anyon did most of the damage, claiming five for 83 for the home side.

In the Second Division, Kadeer Ali and Hamish Marshall both completed centuries as Gloucestershire batted through most of the day to frustrate Northamptonshire and claim a draw at Wantage Road.

Gloucestershire had followed on 278 behind but Kadeer (145) and New Zealander Marshall (133) helped them to 596 for 6 in their second innings before declaring.

Northamptonshire were 35 without loss when a draw was called.